Don't feel like it is a big transition. Some don't do it all at once. The less meat the better. I just said no more meat, that was it. There are so many things to help the cravings some say they have for meat. By this I mean make meatless meals that are so tasty you'll not give meat another thought. Start simple, as many do then explore the world of no meat meals. Before you know it you'll be mature in your decisions and lots of people will be wanting to know some helpful tips from you!

Don't compare vegetarian alternatives to their meat counterpart. Consider each new food as it's own thing. Morning Star brand for example carries veggie bacon, chicken nuggets, chicken patties and other things. They are delicious but of course they are not the same as the real thing. However over time you get used to the new tastes. It's good to learn some new vegetarian recipes that are different from what you would normally eat so you have new foods that you really like.

As a veggie married to a hard-core meat eater, the transition for him was difficult, and took years. His heart doc recommended he go vegan. Even I can't do that, but the meat analogs helped his transition a LOT.

I am just finishing up my path to being vegetarian. What helped me was to give up one "category" at a time. I gave up red meat first, which was very easy. That decision was for health reasons but then I began learning about factory farms and the ethical implications. Next, I gave up the rest of "meat" . . chicken, pork, turkey, etc. but still ate fish. When you don't eat meat but still eat fish, this is called a "pescatarian". Fish was the last thing for me to give up. I never did use the substitute meats since I just slowly learned to not crave meat at all. Also, my family never adopted tofu. I tried it in meals a few times and it just wasn't much of a hit. Instead, our meals are based on vegetables and legumes (beans, nuts, etc.) and this is what works for us. One thing that has really shifted for me over my transition is that I fell in love with vegetables. I didn't eat that many servings before and now I actually crave vegetables. I am a new hubber here but have posted several recipes that you might want to try. I just got a Hub of the Day for my Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas and I also highly recommend my Minnestrone Soup and Eggplant Parmesan recipes (just made this tonight). Just go to my page to see those. I really don't miss meat at all and am so happy I made that switch. My advice is to just take it slowly, one meal at a time.

Think about what foods you already eat that can quickly be converted to vegetarian. Pasta with meat sauce? Replace the meat with chunks of veggies. Tacos? Try replacing the meat with beans, or lentil taco meat. Hamburgers? Try a veggie burger (I prefer Amy's).

Is there a right way to start a mostly vegetarian diet?I am thinking about going mostly vegetarian (meaning no red meat with only occasional chicken) however I have no idea where to start. I am doing this for the health...

Why are you a vegetarian?There are many different reasons why people choose to eat a vegetarian diet. So for the vegetarians, flexitarians, and vegans out there, why do you choose to limit/omit meat and meat products?